Classic Elite Yarns Indian Summer Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Indian Summer Cardigan

What Is Being Made

The Indian Summer is an open front cardigan with pockets and a botanical motif, designed by Tonia Barry. This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated lace pattern integrated into the body of the garment. The cardigan is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 34½ inches to 55½ inches and lengths ranging from 24¾ inches to 27¼ inches. The design showcases an elegant combination of textured and lace elements, making it suitable for layering and versatile seasonal wear.

Techniques Used

This cardigan is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create its refined appearance and structure:

• Bottom-up construction: The cardigan is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing for easy adjustments to length during the knitting process.
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, with subsequent seaming to join the pieces together.
• Seamed construction: Individual pieces (back, fronts, and sleeves) are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the finished garment.
• Lace patterning: Botanical lace motifs are integrated throughout the body using charted lace patterns, adding visual interest and texture to the design.
• Integrated front bands: The front bands are worked simultaneously with the cardigan fronts rather than picked up and worked separately, creating a seamless integration with the body.

Stitches Used

The Indian Summer cardigan employs a focused selection of fundamental knitting stitches to achieve its aesthetic:

• 1x1 Ribbing: Used for the lower edge ribbing to create elasticity and structure. This rib pattern alternates knit and purl stitches in single-stitch intervals and is worked over an odd number of stitches.
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch (Rev St st): Used in sections of the body to create a textured background that complements the lace patterns.
• Lace stitches: Multiple charted lace patterns (Chart A, Chart B, and Chart C) create the botanical motifs. These patterns involve yarn overs and decreases to form openwork designs.
• Decreases: Purl two together through the back loop (p2tog-tbl) and purl two together (p2tog) are used for armhole shaping and maintaining pattern continuity.
• Bind-off: Standard bind-off techniques are used to finish edges and shape shoulders.

Materials

The Indian Summer cardigan is knitted with Soft Linen by Classic Elite Yarns, a premium blend fiber that combines 35% linen, 35% wool, and 30% baby alpaca. Each 50-gram ball yields approximately 137 yards of yarn. The project requires 8 to 13 balls depending on the finished size, with the sample shown knitted in color 2235 Winter Pear.

Knitting needles in US size 5 (3.75 mm) are required to achieve proper gauge. Knitters should obtain gauge before beginning the project to ensure accurate finished measurements. The yarn blend of linen, wool, and baby alpaca creates a fabric with excellent drape, breathability, and softness, making this cardigan suitable for transitional seasons and layering.

Pattern Notes

This is an intermediate-level pattern, indicating that knitters should be comfortable with reading charts, working lace patterns, and managing multiple pattern elements simultaneously. The pattern notes that lace patterns will not match exactly at the shoulder seams, which is a natural occurrence in garment construction and does not affect the finished appearance. The cardigan features pocket linings for added functionality and refinement.